Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 loaf of French bread, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet and brush each slice with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the bread is lightly toasted.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped olives, minced garlic, and chopped basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
4. Spoon the tomato and olive mixture onto the toasted bread slices.
5. Place the bruschetta back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the topping is heated through.
6. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-17 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 140
- Total fat: 7g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Total carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- French bread can be substituted with Italian bread or baguette.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with black olives or green olives.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.
Variations:
- Add crumbled feta cheese to the tomato and olive mixture for a tangy twist.
- Top the bruschetta with sliced mozzarella cheese and broil until melted and bubbly.
- Add diced red onion or chopped roasted red peppers to the tomato and olive mixture for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the bread slices with olive oil before toasting to prevent them from becoming too dry.
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- For a more garlic-forward flavor, rub the toasted bread slices with a garlic clove before adding the tomato and olive mixture.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover bruschetta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the bruschetta, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the bruschetta slices on a platter and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve the bruschetta as an appetizer before a pasta dish or grilled meat.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread slices become too crispy or burnt, reduce the oven temperature or shorten the baking time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the tomatoes and olives before using them in the recipe.
- Store any leftover bruschetta in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
- Bruschetta originated in Italy and traditionally consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt.
Flavor profiles:
- This recipe has a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the combination of tomatoes, olives, and garlic.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the bruschetta as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a light lunch with a side salad.
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Region: Italian